Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. WWI 75mm shrapnel projectile fitted with a Scovill Model 1907M combination fuze. Measuring approximately 11” overall, the projectile retains a strong aged patina and the fuze remains firmly seated in the nose. The surviving markings identify the fuze as a Model 1907M, a U.S. 21-second combination fuze used with shrapnel projectiles fired from both 3-inch and 75mm field guns during the First World War.

Not Available For Export

The inert round stands at approximately 11” tall and is in good condition with a heavy patina of age! Parts of the fuse appear oxidized. The fuse is a Scovill Model 1907M and is stamped LOT 342-18 733963 FA MODEL 1907 M. The fuse no longer removes from the projectile. We believe the marking denotes a date of 1918.

The Model 1907M fuze was associated specifically with shrapnel ammunition, rather than the later high-explosive fragmentation shells more familiar from WWII. In a shrapnel projectile, the timed fuze initiated the internal charge after a predetermined flight interval, allowing the projectile to disperse its internal shrapnel contents in front of the target.

The same 21-second Model 1907M fuze could be used with both U.S. 3-inch field guns and 75mm guns, so the fuze itself does not independently prove a 75mm caliber. Period U.S. artillery documentation confirms that the Model 1907M was authorized for both.

In this case, the projectile has been identified as a 75mm example, and its approximately 11-inch overall height is consistent with known WWI projectiles of this general form. Without additional body markings or direct measurement of the projectile diameter, however, the fuze markings alone should not be used as the sole basis for caliber identification.

The U.S. Army adopted the French Canon de 75 modèle 1897 system during WWI under the designation 75mm Gun M1897. American industry also began domestic production of guns and ammunition during 1918, although French-built guns continued to equip many American batteries in France through the Armistice.

The American Expeditionary Forces relied heavily on the 75mm throughout the Meuse-Argonne and other major operations of 1918, making surviving U.S.-manufactured projectiles and fuzes representative artifacts of the rapid expansion of American artillery production during the final year of the war.

Condition overall is good and heavily aged, with substantial original patina and oxidation concentrated around portions of the fuze. The Model 1907M markings remain legible, and the projectile retains its complete basic profile.

With its Scovill Model 1907M combination fuze, LOT 342-18 marking, 733963 FA identification, approximately 11” overall height, and untouched aged patina, this is an excellent representative example of U.S. WWI field-artillery ammunition and especially appealing for a collection focused on American artillery, WWI ordnance, or U.S. ammunition manufacturing.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).